anthony
Founder
Self-imposed isolation occurs for many reasons. You may be incapable of handling further stress caused by relationships at a given time; you may have been isolated for medical reasons; you may have moved away from friends and family. Never fear. Removing isolation is just a choice--fighting a little fear of the unknown.
We're all strangers until we connect, and then we become acquaintances, friends, best friends, partners. You have to take the step though. Nobody else can do it for you.
These 10 steps are just the beginning. Maybe the below points bring other solutions for you? Comment below and share what has worked for you, or what ideas you have.
#1 - Take a class
Be creative, take a local class that is creative, social and gets you out of your comfort zone. Maybe you want to learn a skill or just do something relaxing. Classes consist of people just like you, often wanting to connect.
#2 - Join a group
If you have a hobby, there are others who will have the same hobby. Do a little online research and find local groups for your hobby or activity, and join them.
#3 - Community activities
Take a trip to your local council and ask them about joining local activities. Help out as a volunteer for a few hours each week. These are the perfect situations to meet diverse people, and you control when and where you volunteer.
#4 - Talk to a random stranger
Believe it or not, this works. You get on a bus or train, something that people use to commute enough distance for you to strike up conversation, and do just that. This not only helps you connect with other people, it helps you build your communication skills by listening and approaching people. You can even talk with them about what you're doing: talking with a random stranger to help yourself connect with people. You will often find another person in your day, doing this, that will take quite an interest and talk openly about it.
#5 - Go to church
If you're religious, even if you're not, a great place to meet people is church. No, you don't have to become that religious person you may dislike already. We're simply talking about meeting other people. Churches are great communities for open dialogue. Believe it or not, I know people who only go to church to find dates for themselves. It works for them too.
#6 - Get a dog
Honestly, if I hadn't done it myself, I wouldn't believe it. Owning a dog and walking it each day, taking it to the local dog park? Conversation gold mine. You have a common interest about your pets, and you quickly hone your communication skills striking up conversations on that common ground.
#7 - Join a gym
It doesn't matter your age; a gym promotes exercise and health. People at a gym are there for the same reason, wanting to feel good and be healthy. The only downside to this one is that gyms are often expensive. Many do have daily pay as you go rates, so you can choose when you attend and only pay for those times versus the expensive annual memberships.
#8 - Reconnect with those you have isolated
Sounds simple, yet it can be a little daunting. Everyone has a past, and you met people along the way you connected with. Reconnect with estranged friends and say hello. You have an immediate connection, and then its just catching up and remaining connected.
#9 - Use the Internet
Yep, you're using it now to read this article. Yelp and other social apps can help you find things open surrounding you. Yes, proximity to people will determine success or failure here. Living in the country, you may not have a lot around you. The Internet can still help you find people and live chat with them. Skype is a simple and effective online tool to meet others with whom you share similar interests. Or find what's open around you and go strike up one of those random stranger conversations!
#10 - Put in effort to stay connected with those you meet
You may think this is a bit simple, yet this is also likely part of the problem as to why you became disconnected in the first place. When you meet new people, get their contact details and really put in effort to remain in contact with them. Make yourself available to catch up with them.
What do you have to add to this list? Please share your ideas to help us all connect with others.
We're all strangers until we connect, and then we become acquaintances, friends, best friends, partners. You have to take the step though. Nobody else can do it for you.
These 10 steps are just the beginning. Maybe the below points bring other solutions for you? Comment below and share what has worked for you, or what ideas you have.
#1 - Take a class
Be creative, take a local class that is creative, social and gets you out of your comfort zone. Maybe you want to learn a skill or just do something relaxing. Classes consist of people just like you, often wanting to connect.
#2 - Join a group
If you have a hobby, there are others who will have the same hobby. Do a little online research and find local groups for your hobby or activity, and join them.
#3 - Community activities
Take a trip to your local council and ask them about joining local activities. Help out as a volunteer for a few hours each week. These are the perfect situations to meet diverse people, and you control when and where you volunteer.
#4 - Talk to a random stranger
Believe it or not, this works. You get on a bus or train, something that people use to commute enough distance for you to strike up conversation, and do just that. This not only helps you connect with other people, it helps you build your communication skills by listening and approaching people. You can even talk with them about what you're doing: talking with a random stranger to help yourself connect with people. You will often find another person in your day, doing this, that will take quite an interest and talk openly about it.
#5 - Go to church
If you're religious, even if you're not, a great place to meet people is church. No, you don't have to become that religious person you may dislike already. We're simply talking about meeting other people. Churches are great communities for open dialogue. Believe it or not, I know people who only go to church to find dates for themselves. It works for them too.
#6 - Get a dog
Honestly, if I hadn't done it myself, I wouldn't believe it. Owning a dog and walking it each day, taking it to the local dog park? Conversation gold mine. You have a common interest about your pets, and you quickly hone your communication skills striking up conversations on that common ground.
#7 - Join a gym
It doesn't matter your age; a gym promotes exercise and health. People at a gym are there for the same reason, wanting to feel good and be healthy. The only downside to this one is that gyms are often expensive. Many do have daily pay as you go rates, so you can choose when you attend and only pay for those times versus the expensive annual memberships.
#8 - Reconnect with those you have isolated
Sounds simple, yet it can be a little daunting. Everyone has a past, and you met people along the way you connected with. Reconnect with estranged friends and say hello. You have an immediate connection, and then its just catching up and remaining connected.
#9 - Use the Internet
Yep, you're using it now to read this article. Yelp and other social apps can help you find things open surrounding you. Yes, proximity to people will determine success or failure here. Living in the country, you may not have a lot around you. The Internet can still help you find people and live chat with them. Skype is a simple and effective online tool to meet others with whom you share similar interests. Or find what's open around you and go strike up one of those random stranger conversations!
#10 - Put in effort to stay connected with those you meet
You may think this is a bit simple, yet this is also likely part of the problem as to why you became disconnected in the first place. When you meet new people, get their contact details and really put in effort to remain in contact with them. Make yourself available to catch up with them.
What do you have to add to this list? Please share your ideas to help us all connect with others.